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The Off-Key Conspiracy
Taeva Goldmead is miserable.
She thought adventuring would be like the stories in her favorite adventure novels, with her as the spell-slinging bard. Instead, after a magical mishap, she’s stuck back home, serving mead at her family’s tavern, The Honey Goblet.
Her days of collecting tips in her violin case are long behind her when a shocking murder rattles the city. Then a meddling wizard apprentice and her lutist friend shake up the tavern. The ghosts of Taeva’s brief adventuring past threaten to keep her in her cozy yet stifling home, but her newfound friends won’t let her lock herself away. With them at her side, Taeva picks up her bow again to face down the magic that has haunted her for months. And all the while, she finds hints and clues that the murderer might not be who the entire city suspects.
The perfect note never eluded her, nor will the truth behind the butchery. That is, if the phantoms from her botched quest don’t find her first.
She thought adventuring would be like the stories in her favorite adventure novels, with her as the spell-slinging bard. Instead, after a magical mishap, she’s stuck back home, serving mead at her family’s tavern, The Honey Goblet.
Her days of collecting tips in her violin case are long behind her when a shocking murder rattles the city. Then a meddling wizard apprentice and her lutist friend shake up the tavern. The ghosts of Taeva’s brief adventuring past threaten to keep her in her cozy yet stifling home, but her newfound friends won’t let her lock herself away. With them at her side, Taeva picks up her bow again to face down the magic that has haunted her for months. And all the while, she finds hints and clues that the murderer might not be who the entire city suspects.
The perfect note never eluded her, nor will the truth behind the butchery. That is, if the phantoms from her botched quest don’t find her first.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
6 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Sam Parrish
4 books21 followersSam Parrish was born and raised in the woods of central Florida. When she isn’t working or writing, she enjoys playing music, camping, fly fishing, and riding her motorcycle. She still lives in Florida (despite her escape efforts) with her ornery cat and a trio of crotchety horses.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 5, 2025
A quick and enjoyable read with a lot of cosy vibes, many wonderful characters, a bit of mystery and a bit of romance (but no spice).
July 3, 2025
This cozy short novel is so fun! Lovable characters, sweet romance, and hilarious octogenarians!
Full RTC, but this was so so good.
Full RTC, but this was so so good.
July 9, 2025
The Off-Key Conspiracy is such a honed and well created story that everything feels deliberate and sweet as honey. I was caught up immediately in this lovely cozy and feel in love with the characters. I gasped at the twists, I laughed with the unhinged fun-ness it sprinkled in, and wish I had a best friend like Taeva had.
I plan to re-read this because the mystery just had me scratching my head and at the final reveal, I was shocked and want to go back and see those clues again and how this meticulously written story plays out with what I know now.
I’ve read Sam’s previous books and it’s a joy to see her improve with everything she writes.
I plan to re-read this because the mystery just had me scratching my head and at the final reveal, I was shocked and want to go back and see those clues again and how this meticulously written story plays out with what I know now.
I’ve read Sam’s previous books and it’s a joy to see her improve with everything she writes.
August 1, 2025
What I loved most about this book is the clear passion for the small details Parrish has. Take music, the way she describes the effect music has on the heart, the way an instrument transforms in the hands of a master, the reverence one has when watching musicians play together, it was poetry.
The descriptions of mead-making and imbibing will also feel like a warm hug and make your mouth water.
Taeva's character development was like watching a rose bloom in slow motion. She transformed from a once-burned, timid, and cautious hideaway to something truly breathtaking. And I love a reluctant hero.
A cozy read, good for stormy nights, fluffy blankets, and steaming mugs of tea.
The descriptions of mead-making and imbibing will also feel like a warm hug and make your mouth water.
Taeva's character development was like watching a rose bloom in slow motion. She transformed from a once-burned, timid, and cautious hideaway to something truly breathtaking. And I love a reluctant hero.
A cozy read, good for stormy nights, fluffy blankets, and steaming mugs of tea.
May 23, 2025
Sam is one of my favourite writers and this book is nothing like the Epic Fantasy trilogy she wrote before. This is a slow burn non-adventure adventure - that is so much about healing, kindness, family and also has a really intriguing murder mystery wrapped within it.
Taking such a turn in genre and still gifting us with such a fantastic story is just mind-blowing!
I'm so glad I could read an early copy of this book. Having a very little knowledge of chords and music did add to the experience.
It was fun, simple and an easy recommendation!
Taking such a turn in genre and still gifting us with such a fantastic story is just mind-blowing!
I'm so glad I could read an early copy of this book. Having a very little knowledge of chords and music did add to the experience.
It was fun, simple and an easy recommendation!
October 1, 2025
OKC is the cozy you didn't know you needed until you read it. She's got music. She's got murder and mystery. She's got some angst, but make it endearing. Sam does a lovely job of weaving the mystery with the cozy. I wanna live in Grandhaven just to visit The Honey Goblet!
I particularly love Kellan - he is a walking green flag. And Taeva is so endearing as an MC. However, Leena is my favorite. You'll have to read it to find out why she's so awesome. 😎
I particularly love Kellan - he is a walking green flag. And Taeva is so endearing as an MC. However, Leena is my favorite. You'll have to read it to find out why she's so awesome. 😎
July 12, 2025
Absolutely loved this cozy, murder mystery! Read if you love:
- tavern life
- murder mysteries
- slow burn chemistry
- magical bards
- spunky grandmas
- cozy fantasy vibes
- delicious, seasonal mead
This was a different experience from Sam’s other high fantasy series, but it hit all the right notes.
- tavern life
- murder mysteries
- slow burn chemistry
- magical bards
- spunky grandmas
- cozy fantasy vibes
- delicious, seasonal mead
This was a different experience from Sam’s other high fantasy series, but it hit all the right notes.
January 5, 2026
The author does an exceptional job setting the atmosphere and the scene. I really felt like I was in The Honey Goblet with Taeva, Kellen, and Leena. She is also especially knowledgeable about instruments. It was a very well written good hearted read with a little twist of mystery. Nice job Sam Parrish!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews